Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • There’s a weird disconnect between the show’s pleasantly languid visual feel and its characters’ emotions.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The oversized teddy bear of a man with the languid baritone, who speaks with the eloquence of a poet, the encouragement of a coach, and the comfort of a minister, came up in the legendary Night Hawk in the 1970s.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The sort of listless displays that make supporters groan before halftime.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Just a few hours before his lineup looked listless and his management betrayed a lack of urgency, DeRosa also fondly regaled the media with an account of how late his team stayed in the clubhouse drinking and celebrating their win the night before.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And there was nothing lackadaisical about any of those things.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Whitt was demanding lackadaisical players perform up-downs when Sumrall’s booming voice rang out.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • They have been seen directing snaking security lines and passing out water bottles to tired travelers.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Step in when someone’s tired or needs a break.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Families are still overwhelmed and caregivers are still exhausted, and far too many conversations are still happening too late.
    Alex Rizo, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?
    Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In He Bled Neon, the ersatz A24-ish motions are gone through and that’s about it, a limp endeavor to do something with a soggy, banal script.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Crafted into undone bends, the style disguises flyaways and limp ends.
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The film is weirdly slow and sleepy, and at least 20 minutes too long.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • These sleepy puppies are right there with you—expert-level napping, zero meetings required.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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